Nobu

Much-hyped Japanese chain sells premium-priced food at the Atlantis Hotel 30 Reviews

Meal Deal

Nobu’s Sunset Saturdays

Enjoy sundowners and canapés in Nobu’s garden. Dhs450 (food and mixed drinks) Timings: 6.30pm-10.30pm (Saturday)

Nobu Sushi Masterclass

Learn to make sushi, miso black cod and delicious desserts. Advance booking essential. Dhs1,250 (cooking lesson, three-course lunch with a glass of bubbly and a Nobu apron) Timings: 11am-2pm, first Saturday of the month (Saturday)

Cooking classes

Prepare sushi, miso black cod and desserts. Booking essential. Dhs1,250 (cooking lesson, three-course lunch with a glass of bubbly and an apron) Timings: 11am-6pm, first Saturday of the month (Saturday)

Nobu High Brunch

A brunch bursting with Nobu specialities, as well as a varied selection of beverages. Dhs360 (soft drinks), Dh540 (bubbly), Dhs210 (children aged four to 11) Timings: Noon-3pm (Friday)

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Refined Japanese fare with a Peruvian twist is the best way to describe the delicacies that come out of Nobu’s kitchen. Its signature yellowtail sashimi with jalapenos, rock shrimp lobsters in a light, crunchy tempura and spicy cream sauce might win over some diners, but the price tags will send most running. Although the Atlantis-based Dubai chain has been open for almost three years now, its menu remains unchanged, so those who have been able to fork out for a meal once or twice will find it a little tired. Lucky then, that you can divert your gaze to the sleek décor. Soft lighting and fish trap-style curved wicker panels lining the walls and ceiling never fail to impress. If you’ve done sashimi to death, hit the crab tacos or chilled lobster salad with a lemony ponzu dressing. The duck breast in orange miso sauce has a perfectly crunchy skin – although on our last visit, the kitchen was, oddly enough, out of wasabi salsa. While the dishes are good, the food alone is not enough to carry the service, which is a level above most places, but could definitely do with some personalising.

By Time Out Dubai staff
Time Out Dubai, 12 September 2011

• Previous reviews
  • 22 March,2012- reviewed by Time Out Dubai staff
  • 23 March,2011- reviewed by Time Out Dubai staff
  • 24 March,2010- reviewed by Time Out Dubai staff
  • 15 February,2010- reviewed by Daisy Carrington
  • 22 March,2009- reviewed by Time Out Dubai staff
  • 20 October,2008- reviewed by Daisy Carrington

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Time Out reviews restaurants anonymously and pays for meals. Of course, we cannot guarantee the accuracy or independence of user reviews.

User reviews:

Posted by: Rashid on 24 Mar ' 13 at 08:44

OverallDecorService

FoodAmbienceValue

I dine in Nobu quiet often. I am lucky enough to not have a price restrain when I do. So that is to say I have tasted alot of the items on their menu and even lucky enough to once have a steak with a marble score of A9. For me the most important aspect to a resturant is consistancy. Nobu does not have that. Proof look at the reviews here on Time out they went from AMAZING to never going again but i will try to give a neutral opinion.

The signature dishes are a must, if it is your first time visit.
- Black Cod Miso
- Lemon grass rock shrimp
- I enjoy the been carpacio sooooo much.

Dessert- The mochi and cheese cake is off this earth

If you feel like you would like to spend then Many choices of Wagyu beef are available, how ever just ask your waiter/ress about the wagyu dish cooked on a leaf. They will know and you could have that.

As for Sushi, I would recommend you stay clear of it here. you can invest in other dishes and enjoy much more. If you are looking for Sushi , A certain palindrome resturant is your go to place.

I could go into the taste of the food and the different flavors but I do want you to discover that your self.

Now I come to the main point. Consistancy. I dine there alot and most of the times i order repetitive dishes. They are just not the same. It is sad to say resturant sometimes comprimises on the quality of food with the amount of people. I mean if you cannot handle the traffic then reduce how much you take on.

I see many comments about service, I do agree the ladies at the door are a tiny bit snobish, especially if you have no reservation and even if you do and they are tightly packed you get a really bad spot. kinda turns into a seating spree at PF changs on a public holiday friday.

I have never had an issue with service inside. Was lucky enough to always have pleasent waiters/resses. very nice well spoken. I tip them extremly well because they do a good job.

Pricing, well it is expensive. you can opt for the tasters menu it a good choice if you want to taste everything and not end up taking a loan to pay your bill.

Overall in Dubai, resturants always comprimise on Value when they get packed which is dissappointing to be honest. I am embarking on a journey soon to taste the 101 best dishes in dubai that Time out listed and going to have a blog set up. Will review Nobu once i get to it.

Overall try pick a not so heavy weekend and a slightly earlier time for dinner and I do believe you will have a great experience at Nobu. The food is great and if you are a food addict like me, This is a must try.

Posted by: Rashid on 24 Mar ' 13 at 08:43

OverallDecorService

FoodAmbienceValue

• Would you go back to this restaurant? Yes

I dine in Nobu quiet often. I am lucky enough to not have a price restrain when I do. So that is to say I have tasted alot of the items on their menu and even lucky enough to once have a steak with a marble score of A9. For me the most important aspect to a resturant is consistancy. Nobu does not have that. Proof look at the reviews here on Time out they went from AMAZING to never going again but i will try to give a neutral opinion.

The signature dishes are a must, if it is your first time visit.
- Black Cod Miso
- Lemon grass rock shrimp
- I enjoy the been carpacio sooooo much.

Dessert- The mochi and cheese cake is off this earth

If you feel like you would like to spend then Many choices of Wagyu beef are available, how ever just ask your waiter/ress about the wagyu dish cooked on a leaf. They will know and you could have that.

As for Sushi, I would recommend you stay clear of it here. you can invest in other dishes and enjoy much more. If you are looking for Sushi , A certain palindrome resturant is your go to place.

I could go into the taste of the food and the different flavors but I do want you to discover that your self.

Now I come to the main point. Consistancy. I dine there alot and most of the times i order repetitive dishes. They are just not the same. It is sad to say resturant sometimes comprimises on the quality of food with the amount of people. I mean if you cannot handle the traffic then reduce how much you take on.

I see many comments about service, I do agree the ladies at the door are a tiny bit snobish, especially if you have no reservation and even if you do and they are tightly packed you get a really bad spot. kinda turns into a seating spree at PF changs on a public holiday friday.

I have never had an issue with service inside. Was lucky enough to always have pleasent waiters/resses. very nice well spoken. I tip them extremly well because they do a good job.

Pricing, well it is expensive. you can opt for the tasters menu it a good choice if you want to taste everything and not end up taking a loan to pay your bill.

Overall in Dubai, resturants always comprimise on Value when they get packed which is dissappointing to be honest. I am embarking on a journey soon to taste the 101 best dishes in dubai that Time out listed and going to have a blog set up. Will review Nobu once i get to it.

Overall try pick a not so heavy weekend and a slightly earlier time for dinner and I do believe you will have a great experience at Nobu. The food is great and if you are a food addict like me, This is a must try.

Posted by: Me on 05 Jan ' 13 at 08:51

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FoodAmbienceValue

• Would you go back to this restaurant? No

1) Waited 30 minutes for seating although booked in advance.

2) Took them 20 minutes to bring our bottle of wine that we ordered while waiting in the lounge to the outdoor seating.

3) Sushi did not taste good.

4) Main course "creamy sause" is creamy mayo.

5) Service is very slow, food is okay, a bit overrated, did not find it expensive at all, as any other rest. in hotel.

6) Seating inside remind me of PF Changs, too close to each other.

Posted by: Gwen Wylie on 04 Aug ' 12 at 05:50

OverallDecorService

FoodAmbienceValue

• Best for: Brunch served
• Would you go back to this restaurant? No

I have heard a lot about this place. My husband and I went along to get a comparison to the many excellent Japanese restaurants we have dined in globally.

The food is definately overpriced to affort the excessive staff in the restaurant. When approach the restaurant, we were faced with 5 maitre'd who all asked questions at the same time!!!

Food quality is superb. However, most of the dishes tasted acidic. I like it on the salad but not also on the hot dishes. I like the concept of the Taster menu. However, its just too much to eat for one person. Perhaps reduced the quantity or courses and offer a more affordable price would be more attractive for any return customers. The choice of sharing the 650 taste menu was not offered to us.

Staff were friendly enough but we felt overwhelmed with them always around us or serving the next table which is just less than a foot away!! Not a place to close a business deal for lack of a little bit of privacy. The furniture is of disappointing design, its one that should be used in a cafe. The bench type sofa and the chair were not comfortable.

Won't be rushing back to dine again.

Posted by: Mo Younes on 15 Jun ' 12 at 08:18

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FoodAmbienceValue

• Would you go back to this restaurant? No

If this is you first visit to Nobu, do not expect to wowed. Infact, it was a dissapointment.

I've ben exposed to a few fine dinning restaurants and Nobu, does not play in the same league. Tables looked cheap and too close to others, chairs were very uncomfortable. The mood of the restaurant was set by the dominant noise of the open kitchen, plates, voices and the random bursts of music.

The food wasn't great and the portions were tiny. After the salty wagu beef tacos, the paper thin sashimi the dry duck and the very fishy black cod, we asked for a cheese cake with a candle for my heavily pregnant sister. When the cake arrived, the pregnant lady was in the ladies room and the waiter asked if we could bring her back to the table because the ice cream was melting.

Overall... Over priced and wouldn't recomend it to anyone unless you like spending and not eating.

Posted by: Shayne on 25 Apr ' 12 at 03:53

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FoodAmbienceValue

• Best for: Romantic
• Would you go back to this restaurant? Yes

A restaurant with soul, where the service is what everyone desires, yet the ambiance is not over-powering. An experience par excellence.

Posted by: Mina on 22 Nov ' 11 at 07:00

OverallDecorService

FoodAmbienceValue

• Best for: Romantic
• Would you go back to this restaurant? Yes

Amazing amazing amazing! But you have be a food lover and not someone who's going solely for ambiance. I went with my husband twice within a month's time. The first time, at the time of ordering, we thought it was a bit pricy. But, having read the reviews on Timeout, we decided to go for the set menu with warm sake. We decided to take the one for AED 650 each and wondered if we'd made a mistake. From the first dish to the last, we continued to be amazed with the tango of flavors that come alive in your mouth. I couldn't believe it! It was just amazing....and certainly worth the price. The waiter was knowledgeable and even though, not all the servers were audible (sometimes we had to ask them to repeat the description of the dish), the food more than made up for everything. The second time, we couldn't order the same set-menu because it had been less than a month and the waiter informed us that the menu would be the same, so we went in for the cheaper one (AED 420) which included the signature black cod. I have no words to describe how awesome it was...the flavors had penetrated till the inside of the fish and my husband and i were convinced that the flavors must be injected through a machine lol... but i have to mention here that it was a bit sweet and some of my friends, who don't enjoy sweet flavor in food, may not have enjoyed it. i would definitely go back for it. The only problem was that the second time, i took my husband for a romantic birthday dinner and the restaurant was too crowded. We found ourselves sitting in a very tight setting and had to ask to be moved (they did find another seating for us and it was very comfortable). I loved the place but as I said, you have to be a food lover to appreciate the flavors and not bother with the seating etc. My favorite restaurant in Dubai by far!

Posted by: Moza on 05 Nov ' 11 at 14:43

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FoodAmbienceValue

• Best for: Family friendly
• Would you go back to this restaurant? Yes

Posted by: Audrey on 29 Oct ' 11 at 12:18

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FoodAmbienceValue

• Best for: Romantic
• Would you go back to this restaurant? Yes

My favorite restaurant in Dubai.
The food is excellent.

Posted by: L B on 17 Sep ' 11 at 13:51

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FoodAmbienceValue

• Would you go back to this restaurant? Yes

- Very helpful waiters. We didn't know what to order. She explained and answered our questions and her recommendations were excellent!
They also explained every dish when they served it.

- The food was super! The Black Cod is a must!!

- Drinks were great. Coconut & Apple Lemonade, Thai Lychee < YUMMY!

- We were four and our bill was just around 900 AED which is great considering it's an expensive restaurant. And we all ate enough that we had no space for dessert. Maybe next time ^^

- 3 things I hope they'd consider:
1) making the sushi a bit bigger cause they were very small
2) turn the lights up a bit. It was too dimmed.
3) Seats were painful!

Posted by: Gaj on 08 Jul ' 11 at 15:30

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FoodAmbienceValue

• Best for: Romantic
• Would you go back to this restaurant? Yes

The staff were friendly and doting. The food (the 6 plate tasting menu) was perfectly sized and with enough variety of cold and warm food. We did not feel rushed.

The seating was a little crowded and so it seemed at times that the customers at the next table were listening in on our conversation.

Definitely a "must go" for any dubai resident who loves food!

Posted by: Dee Thomsen on 04 May ' 11 at 09:17

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FoodAmbienceValue

• Would you go back to this restaurant? No

I have been a loyal fan of Nobu worldwide for many years but last night we received the most shocking services I have had in a long time! Our waiter was condescending and rude and to top it all off he ignored our payment for so long that his manager stepped in and took our payment.... only for the useless waiter to then follow us out of the restaurant and accuse us of not paying!!! The food was excellent but very sad to see the Nobu brand tarnished in this way. Most definitely the last time I go to Nobu in Dubai!!!

Posted by: Emilie Courtot on 16 Apr ' 11 at 14:24

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• Would you go back to this restaurant? Yes

I tought it was the best restaurant ever!!!!!

Posted by: Michael on 09 Mar ' 11 at 06:30

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FoodAmbienceValue

• Would you go back to this restaurant? No

Not having visited Nobu before, and with it's reputation, we were expecting to be spoilt with a wonderful evening of fine dining. Unfortunately, that was not the case.

Upon arrival in the restaurant, not being greeted at the door, we approached the two ladies at the counter across the bar to ask for a table. We were promptly seen to a table alongside another couple who were already ordering their food. The tables it seemed were about 30 centimeters apart, despite the fact that the restaurant was half empty. We found the proximity to our neighbors to be very uncomfortable, and after letting the waiter babble on for a few minutes about the different options available on the menu, we discretely asked if we could move to a more distant table, for the comfort of all concerned. After making his excuses about the style of Japanese dining, which we felt was quite unnecessary, and upon checking with the ladies, the waiter returned and very loudly announced to all that we could move to that table over there, pointing out a table also surrounded by guests on other tables. We declined and suggested one at the far end which was clearly away from other diners. After checking with the ladies again, we were informed that it was okay for us to move. What a relief!

Upon moving and sitting only a few seconds, we were discussing the close proximity of the table adjacent to ours, although at least this time it was empty. At this point the waiter approached us, clearly eves dropping on our conversation, and again advised us on the style of Japanese dining and suggested we could move to that table if we wanted. We were surprised that he was listening but declined as our table was nice enough. We also considered how we were not sat cross legged on the floor, which Nobu seems to have overcome in order to attend to westernized dining styles, so we were uncertain why the table proximity was so adamantly adhered to. A minute or so later another waiter approached us and offered to take our order. We declined, as still recovering from the whole affair, and asked if we could look over the menu for a few minutes first.

After some review with the second waiter, we selected our food based upon the fact that one of us was allergic to seaweed. Selecting two glasses of wine, we were again surprised that the wine was not offered or poured at the table. The food was delivered and whilst we were debating whether the large portion of green vegetables on one plate was in fact seaweed, the second waiter returned to advise that it was seaweed and thus should be avoided. Great!

Finally, upon finishing and requesting the bill, our water glasses were removed before we had finished. We were left unsure who the manager was, or even if we had been introduced, confused at the amount of different waiters that were serving us, and generally upset that the standard was far below what we were expecting. The quality of the food however, was not in question. It was just the service that left us aghast, as we had really expected a much higher standard.

Posted by: Rebecca on 14 Feb ' 11 at 06:55

OverallDecorService

FoodAmbienceValue

• Best for: Romantic
• Would you go back to this restaurant? Yes

I have heard a lot about Nobu being amazing and am a little shocked by people's reviews after visiting. I have to say it is by far the best restaurant I have ever been to. We chose the taster menus 1 AED400 and 1 AED600 to get a variation and I could not reccomend it more (plus used entertainer vouchers so only paid AED600 for both of us). We had about 8 dishes each plus a cocktail each. Each dish was explained to us ny the server and we were asked how we wanted our wagyu beef cooked. Everything was amazing and even the wine wasn't badly priced. I think if you order different items from the menu, it could be a bit hit and miss but everything we had on taster menu was delicious.

Posted by: Shaikha on 25 Jan ' 11 at 14:22

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FoodAmbienceValue

• Would you go back to this restaurant? No

I can't believe, after all the praise Nobu got, and its comparison to Zuma, that the food was this bad. Sushi, well it tasted like it has been packaged in a box for a long time. It tasted very bad. The Black Cod, which was highly recommended by the server, had bones in it. It wasn't anything like how we imagined. The softshell crab that was served on top of a heater tasted like gasoline. The rock shrimp was tasteless, thank god for the chilli mayo.

I was expecting a lot more. Value was too head over heels for the outcome of our food.

Posted by: mohammed on 10 Sep ' 10 at 09:11

OverallDecorService

FoodAmbienceValue

• Best for: Romantic
• Would you go back to this restaurant? No

Where do i start i ask myself when it comes to this internationally renowned restaurant, with a lavishly false reputation?

in short:

1. staff dont know the food and are unable to reccomend anything but the black cod, which is mediocre and served alone with no side dishes to complement and VERY expensive.
2. i asked if they had a set tasters menu and the staff did not know if they did, surprisingly, half way through my meal the waiter comes back to let me know that they actually do.
3. Sushi was nothing special and might i add TINY
4. I had the lobster taco and wagyu taco for starters. extremely expensive and by far not a memorable experience. they both taste like something you could whip up at home in 5 min.
5. No one in the restaurant including the bartender is able to reccomend a suitable wine for any of the dishes they serve.

Overall, i was dining alone and the bill came down to AED 1245. yes, NOT FUNNY!

That aside, I had the cheescake there and it was by far the best cheescake i have had in my life. its a shame the rest of the food does not even come close.

Deffinitely not worth it and a huge disapointment.

Posted by: SK on 11 Aug ' 10 at 16:39

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FoodAmbienceValue

• Best for: Family friendly
• Would you go back to this restaurant? Yes

Immaculate food and service. Like one of the previous reviewers said, ask for one of the servers from Vegas. They really know their stuff and their level of service puts most Dubai waiters to shame.

One of the few restaurants in Dubai that consistently deliver a superb experience each and every time. Food is outstanding and unique, let the experienced servers guide you and you will be rewarded with a dining experience you will not forget.

It's definitely not cheap or a value meal by any stretch of the imagination, but for a special occasion, it's hard to beat the quality of the food and the overall experience. Most definitely one of the finest restaurants in Dubai.

Posted by: Hisham Tinaoui on 30 Apr ' 10 at 06:44

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FoodAmbienceValue

• Best for: Romantic
• Would you go back to this restaurant? No

extreemly expensive as money value

Posted by: Japanese on 25 Apr ' 10 at 06:00

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FoodAmbienceValue

• Would you go back to this restaurant? No

It is terrible service.
No communication between waiter and reception.
You should not expect that you are able to enjoying the service of Japanese hospitality.
Specially avoid ordering birth day cake.

I never recommend this restraint as Japanese restaurant.

Posted by: Budoor on 20 Apr ' 10 at 17:51

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FoodAmbienceValue

• Best for: Romantic
• Would you go back to this restaurant? Yes

yummy food! the best sushi ever,,,would go back there for sure ..lovely food and friendly staff ...but prices are a bit expensive

Posted by: Noor on 06 Apr ' 10 at 17:54

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FoodAmbienceValue

• Would you go back to this restaurant? Yes

In this highly priced restaurant...never order a dish before making sure its good....its a pricy mistake!
My husband ordered the blackened cod it was phenomenal....best fish we ever had...
Unfortunately, i ordered the crab that came with "cream sauce"...which turned out to be mayonaise only and it was terrible.....I couldnt eat a second bite .....
but the big surprise was from the waiter attitude...when i complained about the dish and returned it..they didnt offer to exchange it...something you would expect in Chillis...not only in high end restaurants.....and they just billed it.

This incident has ruined the Nobu experience to us....wouldnt dare and try something new there...!!

Posted by: Natalie on 05 Apr ' 10 at 12:26

OverallDecorService

FoodAmbienceValue

• Best for: Romantic
• Would you go back to this restaurant? Yes

LOVE this restaurant, one of my favorite and most well visited ones in Dubai. However the only thing that bugs me is if you get a table near the entrance you get the waiting staff shouting 'welcome to our house' in japanese EVERYTIME someone walks in, this interrupts the very chilled atmosphere and heavenly food.

Posted by: JDS on 25 Jan ' 10 at 16:05

OverallDecorService

FoodAmbienceValue

• Would you go back to this restaurant? Yes

Lets get one thing straight - you do not go to Nobu for a value meal. This said, given the amount you pay, there is little privacy and whilst the restaurant is done up well, its feels like a huge dining hall. The food - awesome - not the usual Japanese food. Whilst we did try a few sushi/sashimi dishes, we focused on their signature dishes which did not disappoint. The black cod and the yellow-tail sashimi with jalapeño’s stood out. We called for the Wegayu beef steak (8 small pieces) which cost AED800 just for the experience...however, would avoid it the next time. The service was great and I would go back. One can have a decent meal in AED500 per head excl drinks.

Posted by: Eric on 04 Dec ' 09 at 18:20

OverallDecorService

FoodAmbienceValue

• Best for: Romantic
• Would you go back to this restaurant? Yes

I have just read through the review and also the comments which have been made and I have to say that I totally disagree with the people (including the person who wrote the review) who trash talked this great restaurant.

Let me just give you some advice for Nobus at Atlantis. Once you take your seat just insist to be served by one of the staff who came from Vegas to help train the staff. These guys know their job! It was so refreshing to recieve such an immaculate service when we all know that ''customer service'' is next to none existend in Dubai. They really guide you through the menue explaining every dish while you make your selection accordingly.

By the way in the review the reviewer simply brushed off the award winning 200dhs black cod?? If you have refused to try that dish then there was really no point in going to Nobu in the first place! The famous black cod marinated in miso is off the scale in terms of pleasing your taste buds. That dish is so good that I sometimes just go to Nobu all alone simply to eat that cod and leave.

Yes the whole experience is a little on the expensive side but hey, its not like you go out every night to spend 400dhs+ on a meal is it? After all Nobus is not the only restaurant with that kind of price tag. Besides, I strongly believe that they have earned their place in that high end segment of restaurants Dubai has to offer. The food is delicious, the decor is modern, the lighting is cosy and invinting and the service is immaculate. Its location...well I don't really have to comment on that.

Posted by: Eco Warrior on 18 Oct ' 09 at 08:37

OverallDecorService

FoodAmbienceValue

• Would you go back to this restaurant? No

I wanted to like this place, I really did.

But I didn't, no matter how hard I tried.

The bar is great, the barman is good, the models hanging around the main desk are great to look at.

It just goes badly wrong once you get into the dining area.

They have squeezed tables onto one another.

The service is hopeless.

The staff actually take away from the experience. They have no knowledge of the food on offer.

The only water on offer is from Fiji. And yes, you've guessed it, at international prices as well.

Food came via waiters who did not know what dishes they were serving.

Our waiter asked our party if we had received all of our food: he had no idea.

Mind you this was the same waiter who poured an entire bottle of soy sauce all over the table. and whose only further contribution was to suggest that we order the most expensive items on the menu.

Your reviewer says it is not worth the money. She was right.

Posted by: Melvine Mathews on 30 Jul ' 09 at 03:38

OverallDecorService

FoodAmbienceValue

• Best for: Romantic
• Would you go back to this restaurant? Yes

Posted by: me on 21 Jun ' 09 at 16:20

OverallDecorService

FoodAmbienceValue

• Would you go back to this restaurant? No

bad experience

Posted by: Anne on 17 Mar ' 09 at 12:53

OverallDecorService

FoodAmbienceValue

• Best for: Romantic
• Would you go back to this restaurant? Yes

Excellent food, chilled out atmosphere just what you need to relax and enjoy good food without being ripped off. Top restaurant!

Posted by: kavitha on 20 Oct ' 08 at 00:00

OverallDecorService

Food

• Best for: Beachside
• Would you go back to this restaurant? Yes